2010 AD100: Martynus-Tripp

“My career was acting, which I still love and would have pursued if destiny hadn’t changed the course of my life,” says designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard (left). “The director of a movie I was in came to my home and loved it and hired me to do his offices—he gave me an instant new career.” Since opening his Los Angeles firm in 1996, he and his partner, Trip Haenisch, have brought a relaxed elegance and worldliness to their interiors. “Beauty and diversity are key to good design,” says Lawrence-Bullard. “As Oscar Wilde said, ‘All beautiful things belong to the same age.’ ”

The former actor isn’t averse to tracking trends: “I think there will be a ’70s revival soon. We’ll see a bold use of pattern and a fearless concoction of color.” Color is something Lawrence-Bullard and Haenisch are not afraid to use. They combine a variety of palettes with textural materials for a richly layered look. And they take their cues from nature as well. “We strive to be environmentally aware,” says Lawrence-Bullard. “We use reclaimed materials for flooring and to build our furniture. It gives the pieces a rich patina.” Apart from interior design, the two have created lines of fabrics, custom furniture, candles and rugs. Of his busy schedule, Lawrence-Bullard says: “If I could change one thing, it would be to add more hours to the day. More time to create comfort and ease in all things.”

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